EU Approves €3 Customs Fee on Small Parcels, Targeting E-Commerce Giants

The European Union will introduce a new customs fee of €3 on parcels valued under €150, effective from July 1, 2026. This decision aims to regulate the influx of low-cost goods from e-commerce platforms such as Shein and Temu, which have significantly impacted local retailers across Europe.

On October 20, 2023, finance ministers from EU member states reached a consensus to implement this fee as part of broader reforms to the EU customs system. The fee will be applied to all parcels entering the bloc from outside the European Union, particularly targeting shipments originating from China, which have surged in recent years. In 2024 alone, approximately 4.6 billion parcels valued under €150 entered the EU, a sharp increase from previous years.

This move follows the EU’s recent decision to eliminate a longstanding customs duty exemption that allowed low-value parcels to enter the market without incurring fees. The previous system, akin to the “de minimus” rule in the United States, has led to a dramatic rise in shipments of inexpensive goods, overwhelming customs authorities and intensifying complaints from European retailers.

Under the new customs structure, each parcel will incur a flat charge of €3. If multiple identical items are shipped together, the fee will apply only once. However, for parcels containing a mix of products from different categories, the fee will be charged for each type. This means that platforms that frequently split orders into multiple parcels may face significantly increased costs.

European retailers argue that international e-commerce platforms benefit from an uneven playing field. They often sell low-cost products that may bypass EU safety, environmental, and consumer protection standards. This situation has made it challenging for customs officials to intercept counterfeit or dangerous items.

According to Roland Lescure, the French Minister of Economy, the introduction of this fee represents a significant achievement for the EU. “The fee is seen as a stopgap as the EU works to establish a more permanent framework for handling the billions of incoming shipments across the bloc,” he stated.

Looking ahead, additional processing fees on small parcels are expected to be introduced by November 2026 to support enhanced customs controls. The €3 fee is intended to be temporary and will remain until a more comprehensive framework for taxing small parcels is finalized, projected as part of a broader reform of the EU’s customs union by 2028.

As the e-commerce landscape continues to evolve, EU officials remain focused on balancing the interests of local retailers and consumers with the realities of a global marketplace. The upcoming changes reflect ongoing efforts to adapt customs regulations to modern trade practices while ensuring a level playing field within the European market.